Rochester Chapter History

1925 – Founded with 104 members1926 – Established the game refuge around the city of Rochester1930 – Rented Crystal Springs in Whitewater area for 6 years producing 25,000 to 50,000 fingerlings annually.1936 – Built log cabin north of Silver Lake. The 'National Fireplace' is built with stones from the 48 states.1940’s – The Rochester Chapter helped convinced the State of Minnesota to create the Richard Doerer Memorial hardwood Forest. The chapter donated $2,000 and 80 acres to the Forest.1942 – Annual Mulligan Stew began to raise scholarship money.1944 – Dr. Malcomb Hargraves begins broadcasting radio program “You Are the Outdoors.” The program ran without interruption until 1972.1956 -- Dr. Charles W. Mayo deeded the “Mayo Wetlands” located southwest of Rochester, Minnesota along the South Fork of the Zumbro River, to the Rochester Chapter of the Izaak Walton League (IKES). 1957 – The chapter received the national James Lawton Childs Award for outstanding programs among Izaak Walton League chapters.1962 – Dr. Malcom Dockerty begins “Operation Woodlot” cutting, splitting and delivering more than 2,100 tons of firewood to raise scholarship money.1966 – Began awarding approximately $1,500 in scholarships annually.1977 – The wildlife zoo at Oxbow Park was named after long-time chapter member Dr. Paul Zollmam.1980’s – Operated free program to test private wells for nitrates.1990’s – Provide project ideas, technical resources and financial resources for earning their Eagle Scout Rank. The projects focus on improving the Izaak Walton League Wetland west on Salem Road.2002 – Renovated cabin and hosted the national convention of the Izaak Walton League of America.

Chapter members have been involved in community issues such as southeast Minnesota trail development, local power plant emissions, protection of the Mississippi River, soil conservation, ground water protection and energy conservation.